Friday, February 25, 2011

This month writer/artist Jeff Lemire is joined by indie superstars Matt Kindt (REVOLVER, Superspy), Nate Powell (Swallow Me Whole) and Emi Lenox (Emitown) for a special stand-alone issue of SWEET TOOTH that is not to be missed.

Each writer/artist contributes stories alongside Jeff Lemire for a unique look at Lucy, Becky and Wendy as they go off to collect firewood for the night. Through these vignettes we see glimpses of their past, all of which reveal something more about the mysterious plague that decimated America.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Well, I was the first book voted off of the Canada Reads competition today, and I'll admit that it stings a bit more than I thought it would. But, in the end I am really proud of the accomplishment of making it to the final 5. It's a great sign for the future of graphic novels in this country, and their continued acceptance mainstream literary circles on a whole.

The truth is Essex County would never have been nominated if not for all the brilliant Canadian cartoonists who laid the ground work for such recognition over the last couple of decades. Dave Sim, Seth, Chester Brown, Julie Doucet and so many others not only inspired me, but a whole generation of cartoonist that will continue to push our beloved medium into the spotlight.

I'm proud to be part of such a great tradition of Canadian cartoonists, and continue to be inspired by the likes of Darwyn Cooke, Mariko and Jillian Tamaki, Kate Beaton and so many other great talents.

And, a big thanks to Sara Quin for her impassioned defense and promotion of not only EC but graphic novels in general. I know a lot of people have read EC, and other graphic novels, over the last couple of months who otherwise never would have.

And thanks to Chris, Brett and Leigh at Top Shelf for helping me run with the ball once I got it, you guys are the best!